Adventurous cyclists sometimes describe Missouri as a “bicycle rider’s dream state” with gently rolling countryside carved by ancient glaciers, and home to the 240-mile Katy Trail and six other cross-state routes. Drivers in Missouri have a legal duty of care to remain alert to the presence of cyclists. Their duty requires taking all reasonable measures to avoid causing injuries; however, cyclists must also carefully adhere to the laws so they don’t contribute to liability for a traffic accident and suffer serious injuries. Knowing Missouri’s bicycle laws helps bike riders remain as safe as possible while enjoying rides through Missouri’s countryside and busy urban meccas. Let our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers handle your injury claim.
Missouri’s Bicycle Helmet Laws
Missouri lacks state-wide bicycle laws so it’s important to know the laws in your local municipality or in any Missouri region where you plan to ride. Many jurisdictions in Missouri require helmets for bike riders under the age of 17. Others require helmets for those under 16 years old. Several counties have universal bike helmet laws for riders of all ages. Bike helmets reduce the risk of serious head injuries in an accident, and all cyclists should consider wearing a helmet for every ride, but if you plan on riding without a helmet, check the local laws before you begin your ride.
Missouri’s Bicycle Equipment Laws
Missouri requires bicycles to have basic equipment for safe operation including the following:
- An operating brake system that allows the rider to stop within 25 feet while riding ten miles per hour
- A white headlight visible at 500 feet on the front of the bicycle for nighttime riding
- A red light or reflector on the rear of the bicycle visible at 600 feet for nighttime riding
- Lights or reflective strips on the side of the bicycle visible at 300 feet
- Reflective strips on the bike’s pedals or rider’s feet or lower legs visible at 200 feet
Cyclists in Missouri are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is roadworthy and contains all necessary equipment.
Missouri’s Bicycle Operating Laws
Missouri has enforceable laws for cyclists intended to minimize the risks of traffic injuries. The following laws apply to cyclists sharing the roadways in Missouri:
- Bike riding is prohibited on Missouri sidewalks within business districts
- Riding on a sidewalk within non-business districts is legal but cyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians
- When passing a pedestrian, a cyclist must give an audible warning signal, either verbally or by using a horn or bell
- Bicyclists are allowed on all roadways in Missouri except interstate highways and are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles but also enjoy the same rights
- Cyclists do not have to ride on the shoulder of the road but may do so
Missouri §307.191 states: “A person operating a bicycle at less than the posted speed or slower than the flow of traffic upon a street or highway may operate as described in section 307.190 or may operate on the shoulder adjacent to the roadway…A bicycle operated on a roadway, or on the shoulder adjacent to a roadway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway…For purposes of this section and section 307.190, “roadway” is defined as and means that portion of a street or highway ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder.”
Liability Under Missouri’s Pure Comparative Negligence Insurance
Failure to follow Missouri bicycle laws could impact your ability to recover compensation for damages in a car vs. bicycle accident in Missouri. Insurance companies subtract a cyclist’s percentage of fault for injuries from the total compensation available to them if their negligence contributed to the accident or severity of their injuries. Contact our Kansas City personal injury lawyer to discuss your specific case.